Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from the Health Service Executive Mr. Ian Tegerdine, interim national director of human resources, and Ms Paula Lawler, deputy national director of human resources. The purpose of the meeting is to receive an update from the HSE on the implementation of recommendations in its internal audit report on section 38 agency staff remuneration. Since July 2014 the joint committee has maintained an ongoing monitoring role in this matter. Mr. Tegerdine who has taken over the role of interim national director of human resources is attending his first meeting with the committee. With Ms Lawler, he will update the committee and clarify issues members might have. I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well. We look forward to working with him.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such as way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Tegerdine to make his opening statement.